Projects: Brick,Brick, Hedge, Fence and Straw Bale, Barnyard Board Game and Punchin' Pumpkins
Brick Labyrinth
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Though I design original labyrinths, there are plenty of ancient labyrinths to choose from. I built this labyrinth at Spoutwood Farm (same location where I have my woodland maze) by inlaying used bricks into the turf. I chose the Cretan Labyrinth design which has seven circuits.
The picture shows a group of fairies engaged in a labyrinth dance, an ancient tradition. Dave Phillips |
Barnyard Board Game
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I have designed several large-scale board games in which children are the playing pieces. About 100 large concrete slabs are painted and laid out to fit the space available. I also use large used tires (usually free from tire dumps).
I use DVD cases, replacing the disc with die-cut arrows that spin with a flick of the finger. Color copies are inserted in the front and back panels. Variations of the rules can reflect the age of the children. The basic game is to move on the color spaces corresponding to the color the arrow stops on. If you land on yellow x 2, move along the course two yellow spaces. There are shortcuts and pitfalls along the way. Children can use their own spinner or adults spin and call out the results. This game can be set up indoors using plywood panels. Dave Phillips |
Hedge Mazes
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I have designed several hedge mazes, the one shown here (the largest in North America) was for Lenning Berry Farm in Washington State. Made of over 2500 hedge-type trees, it took three years to plant the trees which are now 10 years old. I also made use of a shipping container as a bridge with slides and a viewing platform.
Another feature of the maze, is the ability to transform it into a haunted walk. The haunted walk has a single path for guests without choices, and a separate network of paths for actors to get into position. There are eight stations hidden in the maze where guests make rubbings based on berries, so it is a formidable scavenger hunt. Dave Phillips |
Fence Mazes
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Fence mazes have the advantage of thin, opaque walls, allowing for more paths and confusion in a smaller area. I designed the ever-changing fence maze for Maple Lawn Farms. It features a bridge, tunnel, and four gates. The gates can be adjusted, in any combination, to form 24 different mazes. The maze featured a scrambled word game.
I also designed a small slab wood fence maze as an embellish at the exit of a corn maze. Slab wood is inexpensive and gives a rustic feel. Dave Phillips |
Straw Bale Maze
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I designed a maze castle using large straw bales (4’x4’x8’). Straw bales are a great building material. They are relatively light, though heavy enough to be stable. The walls are opaque, of course, making the maze challenging and disorienting. For farms able to make their own straw bales, this is a great idea for an attraction. It is especially desirable if visible from a busy road. Make sure to top it with flags.
I also used a variation of my popular Finger Game where guests find five stations hidden in the maze. At each station the guest colors a finger on their right hand with non-toxic oil pastel. There are 120 possible combinations which then gives a fortune. This game enhances the experience and increases the time in the maze. The downside to this kind of maze is that it is seasonal, lasting a few months. It is worthwhile, though, if you get the attendance. Dave Phillips |
Orange Grove Maze
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I designed the first orange grove maze for McKellar Family Farms, located in Ivanhoe, California. I used fencing for the rows and passageways in the other direction where the trees formed a sort of hedge row. I also included a bridge. I don’t know if it is allowed to pick and eat ripe oranges along the trek, but I am sure it is tempting.
I also included a game where patrons find stations to make crayon rubbings of orange products. This makes the experience longer, educational, and more fun. Dave Phillips |